Key Stage 3 (KS3) Spreadsheet Modelling Practice Test

To ensure that a specific cell reference does not change when copying a formula, using an absolute reference is the correct approach. An absolute reference is indicated by the dollar signs in the notation, such as $A$1. This notation locks the column (A) and the row (1) so that when you copy the formula to another cell, this reference remains constant and does not adjust to the new location.

For example, if you have a formula like =B1*$A$1 in cell C1 and you copy it down to C2, the formula in C2 will be =B2*$A$1; the reference to $A$1 stays the same, while the other reference adjusts relative to its new position. This behavior is essential for maintaining consistency in calculations when referring to certain fixed values, such as tax rates or constants.

Other methods, such as relative references or manual duplication, do not accomplish this goal effectively. Relative references change automatically based on where the formula is copied, and simply duplicating a cell will not distinguish between changing or fixed references. Thus, the use of absolute references is the most reliable way to keep a specific cell reference intact during formula copying.